Sweden

Sweden has a much milder climate than most other regions of the world that lie as far north. Sweden's climate is influenced by the Gulf Stream, a warm ocean stream that flows off Norway's west coast. Sweden's many lakes and the gulfs of Bothnia give Sweden generally a relatively mild climate.

July temperatures in Sweden average 13 to 17°C. February is usually Sweden's coldest month, with temperatures from - 22 to -3°C. In northern Sweden, winter temperatures often drop to -30°C, sometimes even lower. Snow covers the ground in southern Sweden from December to April, and in northern Sweden the first snowfall is often already in October. Most of the country is icebound in winter, but special icebreaking boats keep the major ports open.

Northern Sweden lies in the Land off the Midnight Sun and so has continuous daylight during part of the summer. The number of days of continuous daylight increases as one goes farther north. Southern Sweden never has continuous daylight, though it averages 19 hours of daylight a day in midsummer. In winter, Sweden has similar periods of continuous darkness. In the northernmost areas of the country the sun never rises above the horizon for about 2 months. Southern Finland has some daylight each day, though it receives only about 6 hours of daylight a day in midwinter. The winter night sky-especially in the northern areas- often becomes enriched with brilliant displays of the aurora borealis or Northern Lights.

Required clothing:Lightweights in warmer months, with extra woollens for walking and the cooler evenings. Medium- to heavyweights are advised in winter. Waterproofing is recommended throughout the year.

Koeppen-Geiger classification:there are three different climate zones in Sweden; The southern parts have a Cfb Climate, a warm temperated humid climate with the warmest month lower than 22°C over average and four or more months above 10°C over average. The mid and nothern regions have a Dfc Climate, a humid Snow Climate with less than four months above 10°C over average. The climate of the mountainous regions can be classified as E Climate; an Ice climate with the warmest month under 10°C.